1.  Approximate Reading Date - NWE does its billing each month in “cycles”.  During a cycle it may take our meter reader several days to read all of the meters in a given area.  Because of this, the date your meter was read is shown as an approximate date on your bill.

2.  Power cost adjustment (PCA) - Varies from month to month and is a charge for what it costs to generate the electricity used.  This number fluctuates with the temperature outside.  During extremely hot and cold spells the number goes up because more electricity is being demanded.

3.  Account Number - When calling NWE regarding your account, always give this number to the NWE representative.

4. Present & Previous Meter Readings – This line shows your corresponding usage for the period.  The present reading minus the previous reading tells how many kilowatt-hours you used.  A kilowatt-hour is the rate you use energy times how long you use it. This is the basis for figuring a bill.

5. Kilo-watt hour Usage Amount Due – Demonstrates your total amount due for the  kWh consumed during the billing period and includes a fixed monthly service charge.

6.  Total PCAC Charge - Displays my total kWh usage for the month and the corresponding PCAC charge that is calculated by multiplying the PCAC factor (#2) by my total kWh usage.

7.  Tax - Reflects local and state taxes.

8.  Billing Due Dates - Represents the net amount due on or before the set due date and the gross amount after the due date that includes a late payment charge.

9.  Billing Codes - These codes describe the components of my monthly charges.  They are always listed on the back of the bill.

10.  Billing address - This is my NWE mailing address.  Please be sure to notify NWE if this address is incorrect or will be changing.